For the first time in Washington's history, Cabernet Sauvignon is king.

Last fall, the state crushed a record 210,000 tons of wine grapes, of which 42,600 were Cabernet Sauvignon. That makes the suave red grape not only the most prolific variety in Washington, but also the most economically important, as it brings in $1,440 per ton to the farmers who grow it.

Wine drinkers and winemakers have an insatiable thirst for Cabernet Sauvignon, as the variety has increased in tonnage by an astonishing 54 percent in the past five years, pushing it past Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape that makes wines from Bordeaux and Napa Valley famous, and it is doing the same for Washington state. Here are some superb Washington Cabernet Sauvignons we've tasted in recent weeks. Look for them at your favorite wine merchant or contact the wineries directly.

Smanse Cellars 2010 Upland Vineyard Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Snipes Mountain, $45: This delicious and easy-drinking Cab comes from Robert Smasne, one of Washington's most-decorated winemakers. Aromas of milk chocolate, black cherry, cola and blueberry are joined by cherry wood. There's a match on the palate, backed by plums and leather with a medium body of tannin and acidity.

Basel Cellars Estate Winery 2009 Pheasant Run Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $32: This Cab hails from a winery and resort in the Walla Walla Valley. Aromas of dried cherries lead to flavors of red fruit and milk chocolate, while the juicy acidity stays just ahead of well-managed tannins.

Apex Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $33: The latest head-turning bottling from this Prosser, Wash., winery opens with easy-to-embrace aromas of black cherry, cassis and milk chocolate with a nice bell pepper note tucked up in the back. The drink continues that same theme with cordial cherry filling leading into a super rich midpalate.

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